Principal Process Engineer (Chemical)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical aid

Competitive pension fund

Generous annual leave

Access to advanced process engineering

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Process Engineer for its Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA operations. The role focuses on optimizing existing chemical processes, developing new ones, and guiding a team of engineers to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

The successful candidate will bring deep chemical engineering expertise, hands-on experience in process design and optimization, and a proven track record in large-scale industrial projects based in Bloemfontein.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in process engineering within the chemical industry.
• Strong expertise in process design, simulation and optimization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to identify improvement opportunities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues in manufacturing plants.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to enhance efficiency and product quality.
• Manage engineering projects from conception through commissioning and handover.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to achieve goals.
• Develop and review SOPs and process documentation.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Process Engineer to join their operations in **Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA**. This senior role is critical for optimizing existing chemical processes, developing new ones, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. You will lead complex engineering projects, troubleshoot operational challenges, and provide expert technical guidance to a team of engineers and technicians. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, extensive experience in process design and optimization, and a proven track record of successful project execution within the chemical industry. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on large-scale industrial operations in **Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to identify areas for improvement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues in manufacturing plants.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to enhance efficiency and product quality.
• Manage engineering projects from conception through to commissioning and handover.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior process engineers.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to achieve operational goals.
• Develop and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the chemical industry.
• Strong expertise in process design, simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus), and optimization techniques.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting and resolving complex chemical plant issues.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and HAZOP studies.
• Excellent understanding of unit operations and chemical reaction engineering.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in **Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA** or similar industrial environments is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of this role, along with significant performance-based bonuses.

• excellent medical aid
• a competitive pension fund
• generous annual leave
• access to advanced process engineering tools and technologies, with ample opportunities for professional growth, training, and development

The role is based in **Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA**, offering a chance to contribute to a major industrial hub.

Join a company committed to innovation, safety, and sustainability.